Source: Penn State
Penn State Extension has received a $200,000 national grant from the Extension Foundation through its AgriProspects Workforce Development Network to develop a microcredentialing system for agricultural workers. One of five organizations selected nationwide, Penn State will build an infrastructure to formally recognize job-ready skills across key sectors including tree fruit, poultry, dairy, mushroom and landscaping.
Led by bilingual horticulture educator Maria Gorgo-Simcox, the project expands on the earlier “Success Skills in Spanish 4 Ag” initiative, which supported Spanish-speaking workers through training in safety, agricultural English and professional skills. The new phase will create industry-informed modules and supervisory courses, allowing participants to earn portable digital credentials aligned with employer expectations.
Organizers say the system will improve communication, safety, retention and career advancement while strengthening workforce efficiency. The initiative also enhances Extension’s digital capacity to track progress and issue verifiable credentials, positioning it as a scalable, multilingual workforce development model.